Nedunchezhiyan topples Vardhan for ITF crown

Qualifier Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan shocked third seeded Davis Cupper Vishnu Vardhan in the final of the US $15,000 Solaris Futures event to win his maiden ITF men's singles title in Pune on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Jeevan, playing just his third professional tennis tournament, won 7-5, 6-4 in an hour and 28 minutes.

Jeevan got 27 ATP points and US $1950 prize-money while

Vardhan had to be content with 15 points and US $1350.

"I'm thrilled and would like to thank my mother for her support to my tennis. I've been back just a few months after my studies at the University of Washington finished and did not expect to finish winner," said Jeevan after the match.

"I've had a wonderful week first qualifying for the main draw, and then winning the title. It's great, the points will help me immensely to improve my rankings and make main draws in future. Till today I just had one point I made in Hungary; this is thrilling," he added.

Vardhan complimented his opponent saying, "He played very well. I could not keep the same form that I displayed this week but all compliments to my opponent who played daring tennis in the final."